Police Raiders Ground Alleged 'Airplane Game'

Stanton police have cited a South Laguna man for allegedly running an illegal gambling scheme called "The Airplane Game," a pyramid operation in which participants paid organizers $1,500 to become "passengers," then were promoted to "flight attendants" and "crew members" as they enlisted others to come "on board," officers said Wednesday.

Donald Joseph Rackermann, 56, was cited Tuesday night for allegedly organizing the game at the Hot Rods by Boyd automotive specialty shop at 8372 Monroe Ave., Capt. Leonard Haworth said. About 132 other people were cited for being present while the game was being played.

Players were enlisted in the game with the promise that they would receive a share of the money paid by future enlistees, Haworth said.

Store owner Boyd Cuddington said in an interview that he is acquainted with Rackermann but did not know of a gambling scheme.

Police officers raided the auto shop and said they confiscated gambling papers, ledgers and $9,000. They said they were tipped to the operation.